Staying Cool During the Heat Wave

This week, a heat wave is affecting southwestern Ontario and other parts of Canada, making it feel hot and humid with temperatures likely hitting the mid-30s C.

Environment Canada has put out an orange heat warning for much of the area. Until Friday, possibly extending into the weekend, high temperatures could reach 37 C, only cooling down to between 21 and 25 C at night. Humidex values are expected to stay between 33 and 44 C.

In Environment Canada’s colour-coded warning system, yellow is the lowest level, followed by orange and red, which indicates the highest risk.  

Public health officials are advising everyone to be alert for signs of heat exhaustion and other heat-related issues that can particularly affect older adults and those who are vulnerable.

“When temperatures don’t go below 20 C, it’s tough for the body to cool off, especially if you’re in places without air conditioning or spending long periods outdoors,” said David Pavletic, manager of health hazards with the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) in southwestern Ontario.

“The longer people endure very high temperatures, the higher their risk for serious heat-related conditions.”

Signs of heat-related illnesses

Pavletic mentioned that people often miss or don’t recognize signs of heat-related illnesses.

Staying in high temperatures too long can lead to muscle cramps and heat rashes; these are some early symptoms to watch for.

Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, feeling weak or dizzy, nausea, and in severe cases fainting.

“The biggest concern would be heat stroke,” said Pavletic. “That’s when you see significant symptoms like confusion or fainting; that’s when your core body temperature rises to dangerous levels.”

Heat waves increase risks for heart attacks, strokes, and seizures. People with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) might also struggle more with breathing in extreme heat.

How to keep your cool

Pavletic noted there are many ways to handle the heat if you don’t have air conditioning at home or work. Keeping curtains closed helps stop sunlight from heating up your space as much.

Taking cold showers or baths can help as well; plus avoiding cooking on the stove will keep extra warmth out of your house. He also encourages folks to use city pools that opened recently along with cooling centres available throughout London and Middlesex County.

“We really want community members checking on those without air conditioning who might be more vulnerable,” he said.

“There are definitely places across municipalities-like libraries-that people can go to cool off for a while.”

Pavletic emphasized taking breaks when outside and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Keeping rehydrated is important, especially when it’s hot. (Dmitry Galaganov/Shutterstock)

Dr. Anna Gunz, a pediatric intensive-care doctor at London’s Children’s Hospital, advised against exercising outdoors during extreme heat unless necessary; it’s smart to adjust activity times or take breaks as needed.

While fans may help somewhat initially during lower temps than 33 C,, they aren’t effective at lowering body temperature when it gets hotter-especially for seniors-she explained.

“They can actually become risky because they won’t provide enough relief,” she said. However,, spritzing yourself with water before turning on a fan could assist in cooling down some.

Medications may alter body’s cooling

Gunz shared that once temps hit 33 C,, emergency rooms start seeing more patients dealing with breathing difficulties along with skin infections like pneumonia; there tend to be more hospital admissions even up until a week after a heat wave ends.

Mental health conditions may worsen too under these circumstances according, she pointed out.

“Most people feel their mood changing negatively; we see increased aggression along with potential injuries related.”

Certain medications affecting heart function, blood pressure, and mental wellness could also change how well individuals notice rising temperatures-or adapt well enough during excessiveheat exposure according., Gunz added.

 

 

 

“My biggest concern is that people are going get really sick-and we might lose some individuals.. if we don’t all recognize these risks seriously,” stated Gunz.

“Cooling becomes absolutely vital.”

Source link